New Hyundai and Kia Entries Raise Bar in Compact SUV Segment
Most automakers sell compact SUVs, with some such as Honda and Nissan offering two apiece with their respective CR-V and Element,
Jeep is expected to join the compact SUV market with a vehicle based off of the compact car platform. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Topping the opportunity waiting to happen list once again is Chrysler Group, with only its off-road specialized Jeep Liberty to contend. Just one entry in the compact SUV class, and a truck-like one at that, means Detroit's number three automaker needs to bolster its bottom end lineup. Expected is a new Jeep based off of the compact car platform, joined by a C-segment Dodge SUV. Chrysler won't enter this market, as it targets more luxury-oriented buyers.
Volkswagen is strangely out of this category as well, bringing its mid- to full-size Touareg to market but leaving buyers
Set to do battle with the best-selling Ford Escape and popular Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, among others, will be a new Chevy Equinox-based Pontiac Torrent. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
What else is happening in small SUVs? Set to do battle with the best-selling Ford Escape and popular Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, among others, will be a new Chevy Equinox-based Pontiac Torrent. It's sure to perform better than the much maligned Aztek that will be dropped. A Suzuki variant, replacing the Grand Vitara, should be showing up on an auto show stand soon as well.